Urban areas generally absorb more insolation than nearby rural areas because surfaces like asphalt have lower albedos than surfaces like meadow or forest.

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This is because urban areas have more built-up surfaces like roads, roofs, and buildings that absorb more solar radiation (insolation) than rural areas with more natural surfaces such as grass, trees, and soil. These natural surfaces have a higher albedo (reflectivity) and therefore reflect more solar radiation back to the atmosphere. Asphalt, which is commonly used in urban areas, has a lower albedo than natural surfaces and absorbs more solar radiation, leading to higher temperatures.

Urban Areas Generally Absorb More Insolation Than Nearby Rural Areas